Energy storage apparatus

ABSTRACT

An energy storage apparatus comprising: one or more energy storage devices; and an outer covering which houses the one or more energy storage devices, wherein the outer covering has a discharge portion forming a discharge path which discharges a substance generated in an inside of the energy storage apparatus toward outside of the outer covering in a first direction, and an inner wall surface of the discharge portion includes a first wall surface inclined with respect to the first direction, and the discharge path is formed by the discharge portion such that a cross-sectional area of the discharge path increases towards an outlet side of the discharge portion.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present application is a Continuation Application of U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 14/675,186, filed on Mar. 31, 2015, which is basedon Japanese Patent Application No. 2014-072874 filed on Mar. 31, 2014,the contents of which is incorporated herein by reference in itsentirety.

FIELD

The present invention relates to an energy storage apparatus whichincludes one or more energy storage devices and an outer coveringarranged outside such one or more energy storage devices.

BACKGROUND

Concerning an energy storage apparatus in which energy storage devicesare housed in an outer covering, there has been known the configurationin which a discharge portion is formed in the energy storage apparatusfor discharging a substance such as a gas or a metal piece generated inthe inside of the outer covering to a space outside the outer covering(see JP-A-2010-108788, for example).

SUMMARY

The following presents a simplified summary of the invention disclosedherein in order to provide a basic understanding of some aspects of theinvention. This summary is not an extensive overview of the invention.It is intended to neither identify key or critical elements of theinvention nor delineate the scope of the invention. Its sole purpose isto present some concepts of the invention in a simplified form as aprelude to the more detailed description that is presented later.

In the above-mentioned conventional configuration, a substance such as agas or a metal piece of a high temperature discharged through thedischarge portion is emitted to the surrounding around the energystorage apparatus. Thus, there is a possibility that the dischargedsubstance such as a gas or a metal piece of a high temperature adverselyaffects the surrounding around the energy storage apparatus. That is, inthe conventional configuration, when a substance such as a gas or ametal piece of a high temperature is discharged, it may be difficult toprevent the discharged substance from adversely affecting thesurrounding around the energy storage apparatus.

An object of the present invention is to provide an energy storageapparatus which can prevent a substance from adversely affecting thesurrounding around the energy storage apparatus even when the substanceis discharged from the energy storage apparatus.

An energy storage apparatus according to an aspect of the presentinvention includes: one or more energy storage devices; and an outercovering which houses the one or more energy storage devices, whereinthe outer covering has a discharge portion forming a discharge pathwhich discharges a substance generated in an inside of the energystorage apparatus toward outside of the outer covering in a firstdirection, and an inner wall surface of the discharge portion includes afirst wall surface inclined with respect to the first direction.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The foregoing and other features of the present invention will becomeapparent from the following description and drawings of an illustrativeembodiment of the invention in which:

FIG. 1 shows an external appearance of an energy storage apparatusaccording to an embodiment of the present invention in a perspectivemanner;

FIG. 2 shows components of the energy storage apparatus according to theembodiment of the present invention in an exploded and perspectivemanner;

FIG. 3 shows components of a unit module according to the embodiment ofthe present invention in an exploded and perspective manner;

FIG. 4 shows the inside of an energy storage device according to theembodiment of the present invention in a see-through and perspectivemanner;

FIG. 5 shows the configuration where a flow path forming portionaccording to the embodiment of the present invention is arranged on theenergy storage device and a partition member in a perspective manner;

FIG. 6 shows components of the unit module according to the embodimentof the present invention around an inner lid in an exploded andperspective manner;

FIG. 7 shows the configuration of the inner lid according to theembodiment of the present invention in a perspective manner;

FIG. 8 shows a cross section of the unit module according to theembodiment of the present invention taken along Y-Z plane;

FIG. 9 shows a region R1 surrounded by a broken line in the crosssection of the unit module shown in FIG. 8 in an enlarged manner;

FIG. 10 shows a cross section of the unit module according to theembodiment of the present invention taken along X-Z plane;

FIG. 11A and FIG. 11B describe a discharge portion according to a firstmodification of the embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 12 describes an inclination angle of an inclined portion in theembodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 13A and FIG. 13B describe a discharge portion according to a secondmodification of the embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 14A and FIG. 14B describe a discharge portion according to a thirdmodification of the embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 15A and FIG. 15B describe a discharge portion according to a fourthmodification of the embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 16 describes an advantageous effect acquired by arranging aplurality of energy storage apparatuses of the fourth modification ofthe embodiment of the present invention next to each other;

FIG. 17A and FIG. 17B describe a discharge portion according to a fifthmodification of the embodiment of the present invention; and

FIG. 18 describes an advantageous effect acquired by arranging aplurality of energy storage apparatuses of the fifth modification of theembodiment of the present invention next to each other.

DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

An energy storage apparatus according to a first aspect of the presentinvention includes: one or more energy storage devices; and an outercovering which houses the one or more energy storage devices, whereinthe outer covering has a discharge portion forming a discharge pathwhich discharges a substance generated in an inside of the energystorage apparatus toward outside of the outer covering in a firstdirection, and an inner wall surface of the discharge portion includes afirst wall surface inclined with respect to the first direction.

With this configuration, the first wall surface which forms a part of aninner wall surface of the discharge portion is inclined with respect tothe first direction which is directed toward outside of the outercovering and hence, a substance such as a gas or a metal piece of a hightemperature generated in a space formed in the inside of the outercovering flows along at least the first wall surface. In this manner, atleast a portion of the flow of a substance which flows in the firstdirection can be made to flow in the direction inclined with respect tothe first direction and hence, a moving distance from a generationsource of the substance can be extended. Accordingly, it is possible toreduce an adverse effect exerted on the surrounding of the energystorage apparatus by the substance.

Electric equipment may be arranged on a side of the outer covering on anoutlet side of the discharge portion.

With this configuration, even when the electric equipment is arranged ona side of the outer covering of the energy storage apparatus on anoutlet side of the discharge portion, a substance such as a gas or ametal piece of a high temperature can be discharged in the directioninclined in the first direction of the outer covering. Accordingly, itis possible to prevent the gas or the metal piece of a high temperaturefrom being discharged in a concentrated manner toward the electricequipment from the outlet of the discharge portion thus reducing anadverse effect that a gas of a high temperature is discharged to theelectric equipment in a concentrated manner.

The inner wall surface of the discharge portion may include a secondwall surface which faces the first wall surface, and an angle which thefirst wall surface makes with respect to the first direction may differfrom an angle which the second wall surface makes with respect to thefirst direction.

With this configuration, the angle which the first wall surface makeswith respect to the first direction differs from the angle which thesecond wall surface makes with respect to the first direction and hence,the center of a discharge path in the discharge portion is inclined withrespect to the first direction. Accordingly, a substance generated inthe inside of the energy storage apparatus can be easily discharged atan angle inclined with respect to the first direction. Accordingly, amoving distance from the generation source of the substance can beextended. Accordingly, it is possible to reduce an adverse effectexerted on the surrounding of the energy storage apparatus by thesubstance.

The discharge portion may be formed in a space formed in the inside ofthe outer covering.

With this configuration, even when a discharge portion is not providedoutside the outer covering, a substance generated in the inside of theouter covering can be easily discharged at an angle inclined withrespect to the first direction. In this manner, it is possible torealize an energy storage apparatus having a compact shape provided withthe discharge portion for discharging a substance even when a dischargeportion projecting from the outer covering is not provided. That is, itis possible to realize both the forming of the outer covering in acompact shape and the reduction of an adverse effect exerted on thesurrounding of the energy storage apparatus by a substance.

The discharge portion may be formed at an upper portion of a sidesurface of the outer covering so as to discharge the substance in ahorizontal direction as the first direction, and the first wall surfaceis inclined upwardly with respect to the first direction.

With this configuration, a substance which passes through the dischargeportion can be discharged toward an oblique upward direction which isinclined upwardly with respect to a horizontal direction from thedischarge portion formed on the upper portion of the side surface of theouter covering. Accordingly, even when electric equipment is arrangedadjacent to the energy storage apparatus, the substance can bedischarged in an oblique upward direction and hence, it is possible toprevent the substance from being directly discharged to the electricequipment.

The energy storage apparatus may further include an electric memberwhich is provided on a side of the first wall surface of the dischargeportion and is electrically connected with the one or more energystorage devices.

With this configuration, the electric member is provided in a spacedefined on the side of the first wall surface formed in an inclinedmanner and hence, the space on the side of the first wall surface can beeffectively used.

The one or more energy storage devices may each include a positiveterminal and a negative terminal projecting in a predetermineddirection, and the electric member may be arranged between the positiveterminal and the negative terminal.

With this configuration, the electric member is provided in a spacedefined between the positive terminal and the negative terminal formedon the energy storage device in a projecting manner in the predetermineddirection and hence, the space defined between the positive terminal andthe negative terminal can be effectively utilized.

A rib may be formed on an outlet side of the discharge portion in astate where the rib extends along the discharge path and is raised froman inner surface of the discharge portion on the outlet side of thedischarge portion.

In this manner, the rib is formed along the discharge path on the outletside of the discharge portion and hence, the strength of the dischargeportion on the outlet side can be enhanced without obstructing the flowof a substance when the substance is discharged.

The rib does not need to be brought into contact with a surface whichfaces the inner surface on which the rib is formed.

Accordingly, it is possible to prevent vibrations and an impacttransferred to the rib from being transferred to the surface which facesthe inner surface on which the rib is formed. Accordingly, it ispossible to prevent rupture of the surface which faces the inner surfaceon which the rib is formed or rupture of the rib per se due tovibrations or an impact.

According to the aspects of the invention, even when a substance isdischarged from the energy storage apparatus, it is possible to preventthe substance from adversely affecting the periphery of the energystorage apparatus.

Hereinafter, an energy storage apparatus according to an embodiment ofthe present invention is described with reference to drawings. Theembodiment described hereinafter describes preferred specific examplesof the present invention. Numerical values, shapes, materials,components, the arrangement positions and connection states of thecomponents and the like are merely examples, and these are not intendedto be used for limiting the present invention. Further, out of thecomponents in the embodiment described hereinafter, components which arenot described in the independent claim describing an uppermost conceptare described as optional components.

Embodiment

Firstly, the configuration of an energy storage apparatus 1 isdescribed.

FIG. 1 shows an external appearance of the energy storage apparatus 1according to an embodiment of the present invention in a perspectivemanner. FIG. 2 shows components of the energy storage apparatus 1according to the embodiment of the present invention in an exploded andperspective manner.

In these figures, the Z axis direction is indicated as the verticaldirection, and the description is made hereinafter using the Z axisdirection as the vertical direction. However, there may be also a casewhere the Z axis direction does not indicate the vertical directiondepending on a use mode and hence, the Z axis direction is not limitedto the vertical direction. The same goes for drawings describedhereinafter.

The energy storage apparatus 1 is a device which can be charged withelectricity from the outside or can discharge electricity to theoutside. For example, the energy storage apparatus 1 is a battery moduleof a high voltage used for power storage application or power sourceapplication.

As shown in these figures, the energy storage apparatus 1 includes: amodule set 10 having a plurality of unit modules 11, 12 and 13; a lowerplate 20 and an upper plate 30. The energy storage apparatus 1 may beconfigured to include only one unit module. Further, the energy storageapparatus 1 may be configured to include a cooling device such as acooling fan for allowing a cooling medium (air or the like) to flow intothe inside of the module set 10 at an end portion thereof on a plus sidein the X axis direction, for example.

The module set 10 includes the plurality of unit modules 11, 12 and 13arranged in a row in the X-axis-direction. The unit module 11 includes:a positive external terminal cover 16 which is a cover for a positiveexternal terminal described later; and a negative external terminalcover 17 which is a cover for a negative external terminal describedlater. The energy storage apparatus 1 is charged with electricity fromthe outside or discharges electricity to the outside through thepositive external terminal disposed in the inside of the positiveexternal terminal cover 16 and the negative external terminal disposedin the inside of the negative external terminal cover 17.

The unit modules 11, 12 and 13 are each formed of a rectangular modulewhere one or more energy storage devices are housed in an outer covering14, and have the substantially same configuration. Among the unitmodules 11, 12 and 13, by electrically connecting a positive terminaland a negative terminal of the unit modules arranged adjacent to eachother, all energy storage devices in the inside of the unit modules 11,12 and 13 are connected in series. The detailed configuration of theseunit modules 11, 12 and 13 is described later.

The lower plate 20 and the upper plate 30 are members for connecting theplurality of unit modules 11, 12 and 13, wherein the lower plate 20 is aconnecting member disposed on a lower side and the upper plate 30 is aconnecting member disposed on an upper side. That is, the unit modules11, 12 and 13 are connected to each other by fixing the unit modules 11,12 and 13 in a sandwiching manner by the lower plate 20 and the upperplate 30.

To be more specific, the lower plate 20 and the upper plate 30 areformed of a planar member, and are formed using metal or the like, forexample. Due to such a configuration, the unit modules 11, 12 and 13 canbe fixed firmly and in a stable manner. Outer coverings 14 provided tothe plurality of unit modules 11, 12 and 13 are mounted on the lowerplate 20.

Next, the detailed configuration of the unit modules 11, 12 and 13contained in the module set 10 is described. Since the unit modules 11,12 and 13 have the substantially same configuration, hereinafter, thedescription is made with respect to the unit module 11, and thedescription of the configuration of the unit modules 12 and 13 isomitted.

FIG. 3 shows components of the unit module 11 according to theembodiment of the present invention in an exploded and perspectivemanner.

As shown in FIG. 3, the unit module 11 includes: the outer covering 14constituted of an outer covering body 100, an inner lid 500 and a lidmember 800; and a plurality of energy storage devices 200 (four energystorage devices 200 in the figure), a flow path forming portion 300, aheat insulation member 400, a printed circuit board 700 and the likewhich are housed in the outer covering 14. It is not always necessarythat the plurality of energy storage devices 200 are housed in theinside of the outer covering 14, and only one energy storage device 200may be housed in the inside of the outer covering 14.

The outer covering 14 is a container (module case) having a rectangularshape (box shape) which is arranged outside the energy storage devices200 and constitutes an outer covering of the unit module 11. In theouter covering 14, a plurality of energy storage devices 200, theprinted circuit board 700 and the like are arranged at predeterminedpositions so that the plurality of energy storage devices 200, theprinted circuit board 700 and the like are protected from an impact orthe like. The outer covering 14 is formed using an insulation materialsuch as a resin, that is, a polycarbonate, a polypropylene (PP) or thelike, for example. The outer covering 14 prevents the energy storagedevices 200, the printed circuit board 700 and the like from coming intocontact with a metal member or the like outside the unit module 11.

The outer covering 14 includes the outer covering body 100, the innerlid 500 and the lid member 800. The outer covering body 100 is abottomed rectangular cylindrical member which constitutes a body of theouter covering 14. Partition members 110 are arranged in the inside ofthe outer covering body 100.

The partition member 110 is a member which is arranged on a side of anyone of the energy storage devices 200 which the unit module 11 includes.That is, the partition member 110 is a plate-like member which isarranged between two energy storage devices 200 arranged adjacent toeach other, and partitions the two energy storage devices 200. In thisembodiment, three partition members 110 are arranged between four energystorage devices 200. The partition members 110 are arranged so as not tobe in contact with the energy storage devices 200.

The partition member 110 is a member having a heat insulation property,and is formed using a heat insulation material made of mica, forexample. To be more specific, as one example of the heat insulationmaterial for forming the partition member 110, a dammar material formedby stacking mica flakes and bonding the mica flakes to each other can benamed. That is, the partition member 110 has a function of preventingthe transfer of heat generated by the energy storage device 200 to theneighboring energy storage device 200.

The energy storage device 200 is a secondary battery (single battery)which can be charged with electricity or can discharge electricitytherefrom. To be more specific, the energy storage device 200 is anon-aqueous electrolytic secondary battery such as a lithium ionsecondary battery. The energy storage device 200 is arranged between twopartition members 110 disposed in the inside of the outer covering body100 or between the partition member 110 and a wall surface of the outercovering body 100, and is housed in the inside of the outer coveringbody 100.

The energy storage devices 200 are each provided with a safety valve 221on upper surfaces thereof. That is, each energy storage device 200discharges a substance containing a gas, metal piece or the like towardan upper side through the safety valve 221 when an internal pressure ofthe energy storage device 200 is elevated. The present invention is notlimited to the case where all energy storage devices 200 which the unitmodule 11 includes are each provided with the safety valve 221, and itis sufficient that at least one energy storage device 200 includes thesafety valve 221.

The energy storage device 200 is not limited to a non-aqueouselectrolytic secondary battery, and may be a secondary battery otherthan a non-aqueous electrolytic secondary battery or may be a capacitor.

The flow path forming portion 300 is a portion which forms a dischargepath for a substance discharged through the safety valve 221 of theenergy storage device 200 in combination with the inner lid 500. Thatis, the flow path forming portion 300 is a flat-plate-shaped memberwhich is arranged between the plurality of energy storage devices 200and the inner lid 500 such that the flow path forming portion 300strides over the plurality of energy storage devices 200. The flow pathforming portion 300 is arranged at a position which corresponds to thesafety valves 221 of a plurality of energy storage devices 200, andguides a substance such as a gas or a metal piece discharged through asafety valve 221 to the outside.

The heat insulation member 400 is a rectangular flat-plate-shaped heatinsulation member which is arranged between the printed circuit board700 and the energy storage device 200 which are electric members, and isarranged in the inside of the discharge path. That is, the heatinsulation member 400 is arranged in the inside of the discharge pathformed by the inner lid 500 and the flow path forming portion 300. To bemore specific, the heat insulation member 400 is arranged between theinner lid 500 and the flow path forming portion 300, and is arranged atthe position which faces the safety valve 221 and at the position whichfaces the printed circuit board 700. That is, the heat insulation member400 is arranged between the inner lid 500 and the safety valve 221.

The heat insulation member 400 is detachably mounted on the inner lid500. That is, the heat insulation member 400 which is formed as aseparate body is made detachable from the inner lid 500. To be morespecific, the heat insulation member 400 is detachably mounted on theinner lid 500 by being sandwiched between the inner lid 500 and the flowpath forming portion 300. Although the heat insulation member 400 may beformed of any material provided that the heat insulation member 400 is amember having a heat insulation property, the heat insulation member 400is a dammar member, for example.

The inner lid 500 is a flat rectangular member constituting an inner lidof the outer covering 14, and is arranged above the plurality of energystorage devices 200. The inner lid 500 is a flow path arrangementportion arranged in a discharge path. To be more specific, the inner lid500 is arranged at a position which faces the safety valves 221, andholds the printed circuit board 700. That is, the inner lid 500 isarranged between the safety valves 221 and the printed circuit board700, and has a function of preventing a substance discharged through thesafety valve 221 from reaching the printed circuit board 700.

To be more specific, the inner lid 500 is arranged between the energystorage devices 200, the flow path forming portion 300, and the heatinsulation member 400, and the printed circuit board 700. In thismanner, the inner lid 500 is arranged on a safety valve 221 side of theenergy storage devices 200 and hence, the inner lid 500 also has afunction of restricting the movement of the energy storage devices 200in the direction toward the safety valve 221 side in the inside of theouter covering body 100. That is, the inner lid 500 is fitted in theinside of the outer covering body 100 and presses the plurality ofenergy storage devices 200 from above thus fixing the plurality ofenergy storage devices 200 to the outer covering body 100.

In this manner, the inner lid 500 forms the discharge path, holds theprinted circuit board 700 and, further, plays a roll of fixing theenergy storage devices 200 to the outer covering body.

In the inside of the inner lid 500, a positive external terminal 610, anegative external terminal 620, a bus bar 630, an external wiringconnecting part 640, and a wiring route forming part 650 are arranged.The detailed description of these parts will be made later.

The printed circuit board 700 is an electric member which iselectrically connected to at least one energy storage device 200 out ofthe energy storage devices 200 which the unit module 11 includes. To bemore specific, the printed circuit board 700 is a board capable ofacquiring, monitoring and controlling states of the plurality of energystorage devices 200, and the printed circuit board 700 is connected topositive terminals or negative terminals of a plurality of energystorage devices 200 by wiring (lead lines) 701.

To be more specific, the printed circuit board 700 is a control circuitboard for monitoring a charge state and a discharge state (a batterystate such as a voltage or a temperature) and the like of the pluralityof energy storage devices 200. The printed circuit board 700 includes,for example, a control circuit (not shown in the drawings) forperforming such monitoring, turning on/off of relays and thecommunication with other equipment.

The printed circuit board 700 is arranged above the inner lid 500, andis arranged to be covered by the lid member 800. That is, the printedcircuit board 700 is arranged such that the printed circuit board 700 isprotected by the inner lid 500 and the lid member 800 by beingsandwiched between the inner lid 500 and the lid member 800. Further, byintegrally mounting the electric components on an upper portion of theenergy storage apparatus 1 in this manner, the assembling property andthe maintenance property of the energy storage apparatus 1 can beenhanced.

It is not always necessary to provide the printed circuit board 700 tothe respective unit modules, and the energy storage apparatus 1 may bealso configured such that the printed circuit board 700 is provided toonly the unit module 11, for example. The unit module may be alsoconfigured such that other electric members such as a fuse are arrangedon the inner lid 500 as an electric member instead of the printedcircuit board 700.

The lid member 800 is a member constituting a lid of the outer covering14, and is a flat rectangular member which closes an opening of theouter covering body 100.

To be more specific, the plurality of energy storage devices 200, theflow path forming portion 300, the heat insulation member 400, the innerlid 500, the printed circuit board 700 and the like are arranged in theinside of the outer covering body 100 in this order, and an opening ofthe outer covering body 100 is closed by the lid member 800. Byarranging the plurality of energy storage devices 200 which are heavyweight members in a lowermost portion of the unit module 11 in thismanner, the stability of the unit module 11 can be enhanced.

Next, the components which the unit module 11 includes are described indetail. Firstly, the configuration of the energy storage device 200 isdescribed in detail.

FIG. 4 shows the inside of an energy storage device 200 according to theembodiment of the present invention in a see-through and perspectivemanner.

As shown in the figure, the energy storage device 200 includes acontainer 210, a positive terminal 230 and a negative terminal 240. Thecontainer 210 includes a container lid 220 which forms an upper wallthereof. In the inside of the container 210, an electrode assembly 250,a positive current collector 260 and a negative current collector 270are arranged. The safety valve 221 is formed on the container lid 220. Aliquid such as an electrolyte solution is filled in the container 210.However, the illustration of the liquid is omitted.

The container 210 is constituted of a bottomed container body made ofmetal and having a rectangular cylindrical shape, and a metal madecontainer lid 220 which closes an opening of the container body. Thecontainer 210 is formed into a sealed container by welding the containerlid 220 and the container body after accommodating the electrodeassembly 250 and the like in the inside of the container 210. Although amaterial for forming the container 210 is not particularly limited, thematerial for forming the container 210 may preferably be weldable metalsuch as stainless steel or aluminum, for example.

The electrode assembly 250 includes a positive electrode, a negativeelectrode and a separator, and is a power generating element which canstore electricity. To be more specific, the electrode assembly 250 is anelectrode assembly formed by winding, in an elliptic cylindrical shapeas a whole, a layered body where a separator is sandwiched between thepositive electrode and the negative electrode. The electrode assembly250 may be a stacked-type electrode assembly formed by stackingplate-shaped electrode plates.

The positive electrode is an electrode plate where a positive electrodeactive substance layer is formed on a surface of an elongatedstrip-shaped conductive positive current collector foil made ofaluminum, an aluminum alloy or the like. The negative electrode is anelectrode plate where a negative electrode active substance layer isformed on a surface of an elongated strip-shaped conductive negativecurrent collector foil made of copper, a copper alloy or the like. Theseparator is a sheet having minute pores. The positive electrode, thenegative electrode and the separator which are used in the energystorage device 200 are not particularly different from positiveelectrodes, negative electrodes and separators used conventionally. Aslong as the performance of the energy storage device 200 is notimpaired, known materials can be used. As long as the performance of theenergy storage device 200 is not impaired, the kind of electrolytesolution (non-aqueous electrolyte) filled in the container 210 is notparticularly limited, and various electrolyte solutions can be selected.

The positive terminal 230 is an electrode terminal which is electricallyconnected to a positive electrode of the electrode assembly 250 by wayof a positive current collector 260, and the negative terminal 240 is anelectrode terminal which is electrically connected to a negativeelectrode of the electrode assembly 250 by way of a negative currentcollector 270. Both the positive terminal 230 and the negative terminal240 are mounted on the container lid 220. That is, the positive terminal230 and the negative terminal 240 are metal-made electrode terminals forleading out electricity stored in the electrode assembly 250 to anexternal space of the energy storage device 200 and leading electricityinto an inner space of the energy storage device 200 for storingelectricity in the electrode assembly 250 respectively.

To be more specific, the positive terminal 230 of the energy storagedevice 200 arranged on a positive external terminal 610 side among theplurality of energy storage devices 200 provided to the energy storageapparatus 1 is connected to the positive external terminal 610, and thenegative terminal 240 of the energy storage devices 200 is connected tothe positive terminal 230 of the neighboring energy storage device 200.In the same manner, the negative terminal 240 of the energy storagedevice 200 arranged on a negative external terminal 620 side among theplurality of energy storage devices 200 is connected to the negativeexternal terminal 620, and the positive terminal 230 of the energystorage device 200 is connected to the negative terminal 240 of theneighboring energy storage device 200. The positive terminals 230 or thenegative terminals 240 of other energy storage devices 200 are connectedto the negative terminals 240 or the positive terminals 230 of theneighboring energy storage devices 200.

The positive current collector 260 is a member having conductivity andrigidity which is arranged between the positive electrode of theelectrode assembly 250 and a side wall of the container 210, and iselectrically connected to the positive terminal 230 and the positiveelectrode. The positive current collector 260 is formed using aluminum,an aluminum alloy or the like in the same manner as the positive currentcollector foil of the positive electrode. The negative current collector270 is a member having conductivity and rigidity which is arrangedbetween the negative electrode of the electrode assembly 250 and theside wall of the container 210, and is electrically connected to thenegative terminal 240 and the negative electrode of the electrodeassembly 250. The negative current collector 270 is formed using copper,a copper alloy or the like in the same manner as the negative currentcollector foil of the negative electrode.

As shown in FIG. 2, the positive external terminal cover 16 in which thepositive external terminal 610 is arranged and the negative externalterminal cover 17 in which the negative external terminal 620 isarranged are arranged on a side surface of the energy storage apparatus1 on a minus side in the X axis direction. That is, the positiveexternal terminal 610 and the negative external terminal 620 arearranged on the side surface of the energy storage apparatus 1 on aminus side in the X axis direction. This configuration can be realizedas the result of arranging the plurality of energy storage devices 200next to each other in the Y axis direction as shown in FIG. 3. That is,in connecting the plurality of energy storage devices 200 arranged nextto each other in the Y axis direction in series by the bus bar 630, itis possible to provide one energy storage device 200 where the positiveterminal 230 is arranged on a minus side in the X axis direction andanother energy storage device 200 where the negative terminal 240 isarranged on a minus side in the X axis direction. Due to such aconfiguration, by directly connecting the positive terminal 230 of oneenergy storage device 200 to the positive external terminal 610 and bydirectly connecting the negative terminal 240 of another energy storagedevice 200 to the negative external terminal 620, the positive externalterminal 610 and the negative external terminal 620 can be arranged onthe side surface of the energy storage apparatus 1 on a minus side inthe X axis direction. In this manner, the positive external terminal 610and the negative external terminal 620 can be collectively arranged onthe side surface of the energy storage apparatus 1 on a minus side inthe X axis direction (that is, one side surface of the energy storageapparatus 1) and hence, in connecting a plurality of energy storageapparatuses 1, compared to the case where the positive external terminaland the negative external terminal are arranged on a plurality of sidesurfaces of the energy storage apparatus 1, the length of the bus barcan be shortened or the structure of the bus bar can be simplified.Further, the bus bar connection operation can be performed only on aminus side in the X axis direction of a plurality of energy storageapparatuses 1 and hence, the operational efficiency can be enhanced.

Next, the flow path forming portion 300 is described in detail.

FIG. 5 shows the configuration where the flow path forming portion 300according to the embodiment of the present invention is arranged on theenergy storage device 200 and the partition member 110 in a perspectivemanner.

The flow path forming portion 300 is a member which forms a dischargepath together with the inner lid 500. The flow path forming portion 300is formed of a heat resistant member. That is, the flow path formingportion 300 is formed of a member which has higher heat resistance thanthe outer covering body 100 of the outer covering 14. To be morespecific, the flow path forming portion 300 is formed using a heatresistant resin such as a thermosetting resin. In this embodiment, theflow path forming portion 300 is formed using a phenol resin.

The material for forming the flow path forming portion 300 is notlimited to a phenol resin, and it is possible to use a thermosettingresin such as a urea resin, a melamine resin, an unsaturated polyesterresin, a diallyl phthalate resin, an epoxy resin, a silicon resin, analkyd resin, a polyimide resin, a polyamino-bismaleimide resin, a caseinresin, a furan resin or a urethane resin. The flow path forming portion300 may be formed of a heat resistant member made of ceramic in place ofa member made of a resin.

Safety valve openings 311 are formed in the flow path forming portion300 at positions which face the safety valves 221 of the energy storagedevices 200. That is, as shown in FIG. 5, four safety valve openings 311are formed in the flow path forming portion 300 corresponding to thesafety valves 221 of four energy storage devices 200. The energy storagedevices 200 are accommodated in the inside of the outer covering body100 in a state where the safety valves 221 face upward, and the flowpath forming portion 300 is arranged above the energy storage devices200.

The safety valve opening 311 is a through hole having a circular shapewhich is formed larger than the safety valve 221 of the energy storagedevice 200. When a substance is discharged through the safety valve 221,the safety valve opening 311 makes the substance pass through the flowpath forming portion 300 toward an upper side of the flow path formingportion 300 from a lower side of the flow path forming portion 300.

Next, the components around the inner lid 500 are described.

FIG. 6 shows components of the unit module 11 according to theembodiment of the present invention around the inner lid 500 in anexploded and perspective manner. FIG. 7 shows the configuration of theinner lid 500 according to the embodiment of the present invention in aperspective manner. To be more specific, FIG. 7 shows the configurationof the inner lid 500 as viewed from below in a perspective manner.

FIG. 8 shows a cross section of the unit module according to theembodiment of the present invention taken along Y-Z plane. To be morespecific, FIG. 8 is a view showing the cross section of the unit module11 shown in FIG. 2 taken along line A-A. FIG. 9 shows a region R1surrounded by a broken line in FIG. 8 showing the cross section of theunit module in an enlarged manner. FIG. 10 shows a cross section of theunit module according to the embodiment of the present invention takenalong X-Z plane. To be more specific, FIG. 10 shows a cross section ofthe unit module 11 shown in FIG. 2 taken along line B-B.

Firstly, as shown in FIG. 6, the positive external terminal 610, thenegative external terminal 620, the bus bars 630, the external wiringconnecting part 640, and the wiring route forming part 650 are arrangedon the inner lid 500 besides the printed circuit board 700.

The positive external terminal 610 is an external terminal on a positiveelectrode side arranged in the inside of the positive external terminalcover 16 shown in FIG. 2, and the negative external terminal 620 is anexternal terminal on a negative electrode side arranged in the inside ofthe negative external terminal cover 17 shown in FIG. 2. The positiveexternal terminal 610 and the negative external terminal 620 areelectrode terminals used for charging the energy storage apparatus 1with electricity from the outside and for discharging electricity to theoutside from the energy storage apparatus 1. That is, the energy storageapparatus 1 is charged with electricity from the outside and dischargeselectricity to the outside therefrom through the positive externalterminal 610 and the negative external terminal 620.

The bus bar 630 is a member which is arranged on the inner lid 500. Thebus bar 630 is a conductive member made of metal or the like, and is aconnection member which electrically connects the plurality of energystorage devices 200 to each other. To be more specific, in the energystorage devices 200 arranged adjacent to each other, the bus bar 630connects the positive terminal or the negative terminal of one energystorage device 200 and the negative terminal or the positive terminal ofanother energy storage device 200.

The external wiring connecting part 640 is a connector connected toexternal wiring, and connects the external wiring and wiring which isconnected to at least one energy storage device 200 out of the pluralityof energy storage devices 200.

The wiring route forming part 650 is a member which is arranged betweentwo unit modules so as to straddle between the two unit modules, andforms a wiring path which allows wiring which straddles between two unitmodules to pass therethrough.

Next, the inner lid 500 is described in detail.

The inner lid 500 has an inner lid body portion 510 on which the bus bar630 and the like are arranged. The inner lid 500 has a flat planar boardmounting portion 520 on which the printed circuit board 700 is mountedat a center position of the inner lid body portion 510, and also hasboard supporters 521 which constitute projecting portions projectingfrom the board mounting portion 520.

To be more specific, as shown in FIG. 10, the board supporters 521 areinserted into board openings 710 formed in the printed circuit board700, and the printed circuit board 700 is mounted on the board mountingportion 520 so that the printed circuit board 700 is fixed onto theinner lid 500. As shown in FIG. 6, in this embodiment, the inner lid 500has six board supporters 521, and the printed circuit board 700 is fixedonto the inner lid 500 by inserting the six board supporters 521 intosix board openings 710 formed on the printed circuit board 700. Thenumber of board openings 710 is not limited, and the number of boardsupporters 521 is also not limited.

As shown in FIG. 7, the inner lid 500 has a flat portion 530 andinclined portions 540 inclined with respect to the flat portion 530 on asurface thereof on a side opposite to the board mounting portion 520 ofthe inner lid body portion 510. The flat portion 530 is a flat surfaceon which the heat insulation member 400 is mounted, and the inclinedportion 540 is an inclined surface arranged on both sides of the flatportion 530.

To be more specific, as shown in FIG. 7 to FIG. 9, the inner lid 500 hasthe flat portion 530, the inclined portions 540 and exit flat portions550 on a surface thereof which faces the heat insulation member 400, andthe heat insulation member 400 is arranged within the flat portion 530.That is, the heat insulation member 400 is arranged within a region ofthe flat portion 530 without extending over an inclined portion 540side.

Next, a discharge portion 900 which forms the discharge path P1 isdescribed.

As shown in FIG. 8 to FIG. 10, the discharge path P1 which is a flowpath for a substance discharged through the safety valve 221 of theenergy storage device 200 is formed by being surrounded by the inner lid500, the heat insulation member 400 and the flow path forming portion300. That is, the discharge portion 900 which forms the discharge pathP1 is formed by the inner lid 500, the heat insulation member 400 andthe flow path forming portion 300. Provided that the heat resistance andthe heat insulating property of the inner lid 500 are ensured, thedischarge portion 900 does not need to contain the heat insulationmember 400. The discharge path P1 extends along a shape of the flow pathforming portion 300. That is, the discharge path P1 discharges asubstance generated in the inside of the single battery module to spaceson both sides outside the outer covering 14 in the Y axis direction.

The inner wall surface of the discharge portion 900 is constituted ofthe heat insulation member 400 mounted on the flat portion 530 of theinner lid 500, the inclined portion 540 of the inner lid 500, and theflow path forming portion 300.

The inner wall surface of the discharge portion 900 on an outlet sideincludes: an inclined portion 540 (first wall surface) which is inclinedwith respect to the Y axis direction; and an opposedly facing surface320 (second wall surface) of the flow path forming portion 300 whichfaces the inclined portion 540. As shown in FIG. 9, the inclined portion540 is inclined upwardly with respect to the Y axis direction by aninclination angle θ1. On the other hand, the opposedly facing surface320 extends parallel to the Y axis direction. That is, the inclinedportion 540 and the opposedly facing surface 320 differ from each otherin an angle with respect to the Y axis direction.

The discharge portion 900 is, in a region where the heat insulationmember 400 is arranged, a plate-shaped member where the heat insulationmember 400 and the flow path forming portion 300 which is arranged toface the heat insulation member 400 extend in the Y axis direction. Thatis, the discharge path P1 is, in the region where the heat insulationmember 400 is arranged, a space which extends in the Y axis directionwhile holding the width thereof in the X axis direction and the widththereof in the Z axis direction at respective fixed values.

Further, in the discharge portion 900, outside the heat insulationmember 400 in the Y axis direction, the discharge path P1 is formed bymaking the inclined portion 540 and the flow path forming portion 300face each other. That is, in the discharge path P1, in the region wherethe inclined portion 540 is formed, the more outwardly the dischargepath P1 extends, the more upwardly the inclined portion 540 is inclinedat an inclination angle θ1, and the flow path forming portion 300 isparallel to the Y axis direction. That is, the discharge path P1 is aspace which is formed so as to increase a cross-sectional area of a flowpath of the discharge path P1 as the discharge path P1 extendsoutwardly.

Further, in the discharge portion 900, further outside the inclinedportion 540 in the Y axis direction, the discharge path P1 is formed bymaking the exit flat portion 550 and the flow path forming portion 300face each other. That is, the discharge path P1 is the space which hasthe larger width in the Z axis direction in the region where the exitflat portion 550 is arranged than the region where the heat insulationmember 400 is arranged. Due to such a configuration, in discharging asubstance which is discharged through the safety valve 221 of the energystorage device 200 to the space outside the energy storage device 200,the substance can be spread as wide as possible.

The discharge portion 900 is formed so as to discharge a substance intoa space on the Y axis direction side at an upper portion of the sidesurface of the outer covering 14. The inclined portion 540 formed on thedischarge portion 900 is inclined upwardly with respect to the Y axisdirection. Due to such a configuration, a substance which passes throughthe discharge portion 900 can be discharged toward an obliquely upwarddirection which is the direction inclined upwardly with respect to Yaxis direction from a discharge port 15 of the discharge portion 900formed on the upper portion of the side surface of the outer covering14. Accordingly, even when electric equipment including another energystorage apparatus, an inverter circuit, a converter circuit, a controlcircuit or the like is arranged adjacent to the energy storage apparatus1, the substance can be discharged in an oblique upward direction andhence, it is possible to prevent the substance from being directlydischarged to the electric equipment.

The inner lid 500, the heat insulation member 400 and the flow pathforming portion 300 are arranged in the inside of the outer covering 14.That is, the discharge portion 900 is formed in the space formed in theinside of the outer covering 14. Accordingly, even when at least aportion of the discharge portion is not formed outside the outercovering 14, a substance generated in the inside of the outer covering14 can be easily discharged along the inclined angle θ1 inclinedupwardly with respect to the Y axis direction. In this manner, it ispossible to realize the unit module having a compact shape provided withthe discharge portion for discharging a substance even when thedischarge portion projecting from the outer covering 14 is not formed.That is, the energy storage apparatus 1 of this embodiment can realizeboth the acquisition of the compact outer covering and the reduction ofadverse effect exerted on the surrounding by a substance.

Ribs 541 are arranged on an outlet side of the discharge portion 900such that the ribs 541 extend along the discharge path P1 and are raisedfrom the inner surfaces of the inclined portion 540 and the exit flatportion 550. In this embodiment, three ribs 541 are arranged on each ofthe inclined portions 540 on both ends of the discharge portion 900 inthe Y axis direction. The ribs 541 are not brought into contact with theflow path forming portion 300 which faces the inclined portion 540 andthe exit flat portion 550 where the ribs 541 are formed.

The ribs 541 have a function of reinforcing the strength of the innerlid 500. Three ribs 541 are formed on the discharge port 15 of thedischarge portion 900 thus dividing a width of the opening of thedischarge port 15 into small divided widths. Accordingly, the ribs 541also have a function of preventing an accident that a person erroneouslyinserts his finger into the inside of the discharge portion 900. Byforming the ribs 541 as portions projecting from the inclined portions540 and by arranging the pair of ribs 541 such that the ribs 541 pinchthe heat insulation member 400 from both sides in the Y axis direction,the ribs 541 also have a function of restricting the movement of theheat insulation member 400 in the Y axis direction.

Further, the ribs 541 are not brought into contact with the flow pathforming portion 300 which the ribs 541 face and hence, it is possible toprevent vibrations and an impact transferred to the ribs 541 from beingtransferred to the surface of the flow path forming portion 300 whichfaces the inner surfaces of the inclined portion 540 and the exit flatportion 550 on which the ribs 541 are formed. Accordingly, it ispossible to prevent rupture of the flow path forming portion 300 or theribs 541 by vibrations or an impact. Further, an opening area of thedischarge port 15 of the discharge portion 900 can be increased comparedto the case where the ribs 541 are brought into contact with the flowpath forming portion 300. That is, by adopting the configuration whereend portions of the ribs 541 on a lower side are not brought intocontact with the flow path forming portion 300, it is possible toacquire both the enhancement of the strength of the discharge portion900 on an outlet side and the efficient discharge of a substance such asa gas or a metal piece.

As shown in FIG. 8 to FIG. 10, the printed circuit board 700 is arrangedin the space S1 defined at the center position of the inner lid bodyportion 510. That is, the printed circuit board 700 is arranged in thespace S1 which is formed on the side of the inclined portion 540 of thedischarge portion 900, the space S1 formed between the positive terminal230 and the negative terminal 240 of the energy storage device 200. Inthis manner, the printed circuit board 700 is disposed in the space onthe side of the inclined portion 540 and hence, it is possible toeffectively make use of the space on the side of the inclined portion540. Further, the printed circuit board 700 is disposed in the spacedefined between the positive terminal 230 and the negative terminal 240formed in a projecting manner from the energy storage device 200 andhence, it is possible to effectively make use of the space definedbetween the positive terminal 230 and the negative terminal 240. To formthe unit module in a compact shape by arranging the printed circuitboard 700 in vacant spaces of a plurality of energy storage devices 200,the printed circuit board 700 is arranged between the positive terminal230 and the negative terminal 240 of each energy storage device 200.That is, the printed circuit board 700 is arranged on the side of theenergy storage device 200 where the positive terminal 230 and thenegative terminal 240 project (that is, above the energy storage device200).

The safety valve 221 is mounted on each energy storage device 200 on aside where the positive terminal 230 and the negative terminal 240project. Accordingly, in an attempt to discharge a substance which isdischarged through the safety valve 221 toward the outside of the unitmodule, to prevent the substance from adversely affecting the printedcircuit board 700 by heat or the like, it is necessary to prevent thesubstance from passing through the space S1 where the printed circuitboard 700 is arranged. That is, it is necessary to provide the dischargepath P1 below the space S1 where the printed circuit board 700 isprovided. A plurality of energy storage devices 200 are arranged next toeach other in the Y axis direction, and each energy storage device 200includes the positive terminal 230 and the negative terminal 240 whichare arranged in the X axis direction. That is, a space defined betweenthe positive terminals 230 and the negative terminals 240 of theplurality of energy storage devices 200 extends in the Y axis direction.Accordingly, by forming the discharge portion 900 such that thedischarge path P1 extends along the Y axis direction, the configurationis realized where the printed circuit board 700 can be arranged byeffectively making use of the space defined between the positiveterminals 230 and the negative terminals 240, and it is possible toprevent a substance discharged through the safety valve 221 fromexerting an adverse effect on the printed circuit board 700. Further,the discharge portion 900 is formed such that the discharge path P1extends along the Y axis direction and hence, the discharge port 15(described later) of the discharge portion 900 is formed on a sidesurface of the energy storage apparatus 1 on a Y axis direction side.

As has been described above, according to the energy storage apparatus 1according to the embodiment of the present invention, the inclinedportion 540 which forms a part of the inner wall surface of thedischarge portion 900 on an outlet side is inclined with respect to theY axis direction of the outer covering 14. Accordingly, a substancegenerated in the inside of the outer covering 14 such as a gas or ametal piece flows along at least the inclined portion 540. In thismanner, it is possible to make at least a part of the flow of thesubstance which flows along the Y axis direction flow in the directioninclined with respect to the Y axis direction and hence, the movingdistance of the substance from the safety valve 221 which is ageneration source of the substance can be increased. Accordingly, it ispossible to prevent adverse effects exerted on the surrounding of theenergy storage apparatus 1 due to discharging of the substance to theoutside (for example, distortion or rupture of a product around theenergy storage apparatus 1 by heat, rupture of the product due to theimpingement of a metal piece, short-circuiting of an electronic circuitby a metal piece or the like).

Further, even when electric equipment is arranged on the side of thedischarge portion 900 of the outer covering 14 of the energy storageapparatus 1 on an outlet side, it is possible to discharge a substancesuch as a gas or a metal piece in the direction inclined toward the Yaxis direction of the outer covering 14. Accordingly, the movingdistance of a gas or a metal piece from the outlet of the dischargeportion 900 to the electric equipment can be increased. That is, it ispossible to reduce an adverse effect exerted on the electric equipmentby a substance due to discharging of a gas or a metal piece toward theelectric equipment while maintaining high energy (for example,distortion or rupture of the electric equipment around the energystorage apparatus 1, rupture of the electric equipment due to theimpingement of the metal piece, short-circuiting of a circuit of theelectric equipment by the metal piece or the like).

An inclination angle θ1 which the inclined portion 540 makes withrespect to the Y axis direction differs from an angle which a surface ofthe flow path forming portion 300 facing the inclined portion 540 makeswith respect to the Y axis direction. To be more specific, the inclinedportion 540 is inclined more upwardly toward an outlet side of thedischarge path P1, and the surface of the flow path forming portion 300which faces the inclined portion 540 is parallel to the Y axisdirection. Due to such a configuration, in the discharge path P1 on anoutlet side of the discharge portion 900, the center of the flow path isinclined upwardly at the inclined portion 540. Accordingly, a substancegenerated in the inside of the energy storage apparatus 1 can be easilydischarged at an angle inclined upwardly with respect to the Y axisdirection. As a result, the moving distance of the substance from thesafety valve 221 which is a generation source of the substance can beincreased. The center of the discharge path P1 may be, for example, athree-dimensional line obtained by connecting the centers of gravity offlow path cross sections at predetermined positions of the dischargepath P1 or may be a portion where a fluid such as a gas flows at thefastest speed when the fluid is made to flow through the discharge pathP1.

The discharge path P1 is formed into a shape where a cross-sectionalarea is increased upwardly toward an outlet side. Accordingly, asubstance generated in the inside of the energy storage apparatus 1 canbe discharged at an angle inclined upwardly with respect to the Y axisdirection, and the substance can be discharged into a wide space in aspreading manner. Accordingly, it is possible to prevent the occurrenceof the case where a substance generated in the inside of the energystorage apparatus 1 is discharged in a concentrated manner whilemaintaining high energy.

When the energy storage apparatus 1 is used in the application such asthe power storage or a power source, a plurality of energy storageapparatuses 1 are arranged adjacent to each other on a mounting shelf.To be more specific, the plurality of energy storage apparatuses 1 arearranged adjacent each other on the mounting shelf such that thepositive external terminal cover 16 and the negative external terminalcover 17 of each energy storage apparatus 1 shown in FIG. 2 are directedin the same direction (for example, the X axis direction). Usually, aspace on the mounting shelf where the energy storage apparatuses 1 aremounted is limited. Another mounting shelf is provided just above theenergy storage apparatuses 1 mounted on the mounting shelf. By formingthe inclined portion 540 on the inner wall surface of the dischargeportion 900, it is possible to prevent the occurrence of the case wherea substance discharged through the discharge port 15 directly impingeson another energy storage apparatus 1 arranged adjacent to the energystorage apparatus 1.

(First Modification)

Next, the first modification of the above-mentioned embodiment isdescribed. FIG. 11A and FIG. 11B describe a discharge portion 900 aaccording to the first modification of the embodiment of the presentinvention. To be more specific, FIG. 11A shows an upper portion of across section when a unit module 11 a is cut at a position of the crosssection of the unit module 11 shown in FIG. 2 along line A-A. FIG. 11Bshows a cross section taken along line C-C in FIG. 11A.

As shown in the figures, the unit module 11 a according to the firstmodification differs from the unit module 11 according to the embodimentwith respect to a point that the configuration of an inner lid 500 adiffers from the configuration of the inner lid 500. To be morespecific, in the inner lid 500 a, a portion which forms a dischargeportion 900 a is constituted of a flat portion 530 and an inclinedportion 540 a. That is, the inner lid 500 a differs from the inner lid500 of the above-mentioned embodiment with respect to a point that theinner lid 500 a is not provided with the exit flat portion 550. Otherconfigurations are equal to the corresponding other configurations ofthe unit module 11 according to the embodiment and hence, thedescription of the other configurations is omitted.

The inclined portion 540 a is formed from the more inner side in the Yaxis direction than the inclined portion 540 of the inner lid 500according to the above-mentioned embodiment, and the inclined portion540 a extends to a discharge port 15 a at an angle θ2 which is gentlerthan the inclination angle θ1.

In this manner, in the discharge portion 900 a according to the firstmodification, the inner lid 500 a is not provided with the exit flatportion 550 and hence, a discharge path P2 is formed where theinclination angle θ2 of the inclined portion 540 a is gentle. Due tosuch a configuration, a substance such as a gas or a metal piecedischarged through a safety valve 221 of an energy storage device 200can be gradually spread upwardly and hence, the temperature of adischarged substance or the speed of a discharged substance at the timeof discharging the substance can be reduced, and it is also possible toprevent the substance from being discharged in a concentrated manner.

The inclination angle of the inclined portion 540 may preferably be setto the following angle.

FIG. 12 describes an inclination angle of the inclined portion in theembodiment of the present invention. To be more specific, FIG. 12 showsa cross section of a unit module in each energy storage apparatus 1taken along Y-Z plane which passes the discharge portion when anotherenergy storage apparatus 1 is arranged adjacent to the energy storageapparatus 1 on a Y axis direction side.

As shown in FIG. 12, assume that the energy storage apparatus 1 andanother energy storage apparatus 1 are arranged in a spaced-apart mannerby a distance D1, and the height from an inner wall surface on an upperside of the flat portion 530 of the discharge portion 900 to an uppersurface of the lid member 800 is H1. In this case, it is preferable thatan inclination angle θ2 of the inclined portion 540 a satisfies thefollowing formula 1.tan θ2>H1/D1  (formula 1)

From above, when a substance discharged through the discharge port 15 ais discharged at an inclination angle θ2 which satisfies such a formula1, the substance is discharged while being elevated by the height H1when the substance moves in the horizontal direction by the distance D1and hence, the substance can be easily discharged toward au upper sideof another energy storage apparatus 1 arranged adjacent to the energystorage apparatus 1. In this manner, it is possible to prevent asubstance discharged through the discharge port 15 a from directlyimpinging on another energy storage apparatus 1 arranged adjacent to theenergy storage apparatus 1 and hence, it is possible to prevent thesubstance from adversely affecting another energy storage apparatus 1arranged adjacent to the energy storage apparatus 1.

It is needless to say that another energy storage apparatus 1 arrangedadjacent to the energy storage apparatus 1 is not limited to the energystorage apparatus 1 and may be other electric equipment. Further,although it is preferable that an inclination angle θ2 of the inclinedportion 540 a formed on the inner lid 500 a according to the firstmodification satisfies the formula 1, the same goes for an inclinationangle θ1 of the inclined portion 540 formed on the inner lid 500according to the embodiment as in the case of the inclination angle θ2.

When the inclined portion is formed such that an inclination angle ischanged (for example, is curved or bent) corresponding to the positionof the inclined portion in the Y axis direction, an angle at anoutermost side of the inclined portion can be used as θ2 in the formula1.

(Second Modification)

Next, the second modification of the above-mentioned embodiment isdescribed. FIG. 13A and FIG. 13B describe a discharge portion 900 baccording to the second modification of the embodiment of the presentinvention. To be more specific, FIG. 13A shows an upper portion of across section when a unit module 11 b is cut at a position of the crosssection of the unit module 11 shown in FIG. 2 along line A-A. FIG. 13Bshows a cross section taken along line D-D in FIG. 13A.

As shown in the figures, the unit module 11 b according to the secondmodification differs from the unit module 11 a according to the firstmodification with respect to a point that the configuration of an innerlid 500 b differs from the configuration of the inner lid 500 a. To bemore specific, in the inner lid 500 b, a portion which forms a dischargeportion 900 b is constituted of a flat portion 530, a first enlargedportion 561 and a second enlarged portion 562. That is, the inner lid500 b differs from the inner lid 500 a of the first modification withrespect to a point that the first enlarged portion 561 and the secondenlarged portion 562 are adopted in place of the inclined portion 540 a.Other configurations are equal to the corresponding other configurationsof the unit module 11 a according to the first modification and hence,the description of the other configurations is omitted.

The first enlarged portion 561 is constituted of a first portion 561 aextending in the Z axis direction from an end portion of the flatportion 530 in the Y axis direction, and a second portion 561 bextending toward a discharge port 15 b side of the discharge portion 900b in the Y axis direction from an upper end of the first portion 561 a.That is, the first enlarged portion 561 extends in the X axis directionin an L-shaped cross section as shown in FIG. 13A.

The second enlarged portion 562 is constituted of a first portion 562 aextending in the Z axis direction from an end portion of the secondportion 561 b of the first enlarged portion 561, and a second portion562 b extending toward a discharge port 15 b side of the dischargeportion 900 b in the Y axis direction from an upper end of the firstportion 562 a. That is, the second enlarged portion 562 extends in the Xaxis direction in an L-shaped cross section as shown in FIG. 13A in thesame manner as the first enlarged portion 561.

In this manner, the first enlarged portion 561 and the second enlargedportion 562 are formed at each of both ends of the flat portion 530 ofthe inner lid 500 b in the Y axis direction and hence, a discharge pathP3 forms a space enlarged upwardly in a stepwise manner toward thedischarge port 15 b from the flat portion 530. Accordingly, even whenthe inclined portion 540 a is not formed on the discharge portion 900 b,the discharge path P3 is the space which is enlarged in a stepwisemanner toward the discharge port 15 b and hence, a substance dischargedthrough the safety valve 221 can be discharged upwardly. That is, byforming the discharge path P3 such that the discharge path P3 isenlarged in a stepwise manner in the predetermined direction toward thedischarge port 15 b (outer side), a substance discharged through thedischarge port 15 b of the discharge path P3 can be discharged in thepredetermined direction. Even in the discharge portion 900 b which isformed so as to be enlarged in a stepwise manner as in the case of thefirst enlarged portion 561 and the second enlarged portion 562, thefirst portion 561 a of the first enlarged portion 561 and the firstportion 562 a of the second enlarged portion 562 have a wall surfacewhich is inclined at an approximately 90 degrees.

(Third Modification)

Next, the third modification of the above-mentioned embodiment isdescribed. FIG. 14A and FIG. 14B describe a discharge portion 900 caccording to the third modification of the embodiment of the presentinvention. To be more specific, FIG. 14A shows an upper portion of across section when a unit module 11 c is cut at a position of the crosssection of the unit module 11 shown in FIG. 2 along line A-A. FIG. 14Bshows a cross section taken along line E-E in FIG. 14A.

As shown in the figures, the unit module 11 c according to the thirdmodification differs from the unit module 11 a according to the firstmodification with respect to a point that the configuration of an innerlid 500 c differs from the configuration of the inner lid 500 a. To bemore specific, the inner lid 500 c differs from the inner lid 500 a ofthe first modification with respect to a point that a plurality of ribs541 c are formed in an inclined manner toward a plus side in the X axisdirection toward a discharge port 15 c side of the discharge portion 900c. Other configurations are equal to the corresponding otherconfigurations of the unit module 11 a according to the firstmodification and hence, the description of the other configurations isomitted.

In this manner, in the discharge portion 900 c according to the thirdmodification, the plurality of ribs 541 c formed on the inclined portion540 a are formed in an inclined manner toward a plus side in the X axisdirection toward the discharge port 15 c side of the discharge path P4and hence, a substance discharged through a safety valve 221 can bedischarged toward a plus side in the X axis direction in addition todirecting the substance upwardly. Accordingly, even when electricequipment is arranged adjacent to an energy storage apparatus, asubstance can be discharged in the inclination direction and hence, itis possible to increase a distance of a path through which a substancepasses to the electric equipment arranged adjacent to the energy storageapparatus. As a result, it is possible to prevent the occurrence of thecase where a substance is discharged toward the electric equipmentarranged adjacent to the energy storage apparatus while maintaining highenergy. Further, even when the electric equipment arranged adjacent tothe energy storage apparatus is another energy storage apparatus, asubstance can be discharged in the inclination direction and hence, itis possible to prevent the substance from directly entering a dischargeport formed in another electric equipment.

(Fourth Modification)

Next, the fourth modification of the above-mentioned embodiment isdescribed. FIG. 15A and FIG. 15B describe a discharge portion 900 daccording to the fourth modification of the embodiment of the presentinvention. To be more specific, FIG. 15A shows an upper portion of across section when a unit module 11 d is cut at a position of the crosssection of the unit module 11 shown in FIG. 2 along line A-A. FIG. 15Bshows a cross section taken along line F-F in FIG. 15A.

As shown in the figures, the unit module 11 d according to the fourthmodification differs from the unit module 11 a according to the firstmodification with respect to a point that the configurations of an innerlid 500 d, a heat insulation member 400 d, a flow path forming portion300 d and an outer covering body 100 d differ from the configurations ofthe inner lid 500 a, the heat insulation member 400, the flow pathforming portion 300 and the outer covering body 100. To be morespecific, as shown in FIG. 15B, in a region of an inclined portion 540 aformed on the inner lid 500 d, the discharge portion 900 d is configuredto be inclined toward a plus side in the X axis direction toward adischarge port 15 d of the discharge portion 900 d on a plus side in theY axis direction, and is configured to be inclined toward a minus sidein the X axis direction toward the discharge port 15 d of the dischargepath P5 on a minus side in the Y axis direction. That is, as viewed in atop plan view, the discharge portion 900 d is configured to be inclinedtoward one side in the X axis direction in the region of the dischargeportion 900 d where the inclined portion 540 a is formed such that thedischarge portion 900 d has a point symmetrical shape. To be morespecific, the discharge portion 900 d includes a first side surface 571and a second side surface 572 inclined toward one side in the X axisdirection in the region where the inclined portion 540 a is formed. Inother words, in the region of the discharge portion 900 d on an outletside, not only the inclined portion 540 a which constitutes an upperwall surface is formed in an inclined manner but also the first sidesurface 571 and the second side surface 572 which constitute side wallsurfaces are also formed in an inclined manner with respect to the Yaxis direction. Further, a plurality of ribs 541 d formed on theinclined portion 540 a are also formed in an inclined manner along theinclination toward one side in the X axis direction in the region of thedischarge portion 900 d where the inclined portion 540 a is formed.

In this manner, in the discharge portion 900 d according to the fourthmodification, the region where the inclined portion 540 a is formed andthe first side surface formed on the inclined portion 540 a are formedin an inclined manner toward one side in the X axis direction toward thedischarge port 15 d of the discharge portion 900 d and hence, asubstance can be discharged by directing the flow of the dischargedsubstance toward one side in the X axis direction. Accordingly, it ispossible to prevent the occurrence of the case where a substancedischarged through the discharge port 15 d is discharged toward electricequipment arranged adjacent to the energy storage apparatus 1 whilemaintaining high energy.

Further, when a plurality of energy storage apparatuses 1 d which adoptthe discharge portion 900 d of the fourth modification are arranged nextto each other, the following advantageous effect can be acquired. FIG.16 describes the advantageous effect acquired by arranging a pluralityof energy storage apparatuses 1 d of the fourth modification of theembodiment of the present invention.

As shown in FIG. 16, both ends of the discharge portion 900 d in the Yaxis direction are formed in an inclined manner toward one side in the Xaxis direction such that the discharge portion 900 d has a pointsymmetry as viewed in a top plan view. Accordingly, when the energystorage apparatus 1 d and another energy storage apparatus 1 d arearranged next to each other, the discharge port 15 d of the dischargeportion 900 d of another energy storage apparatus 1 d is not present inthe direction that the discharge port 15 d of the discharge portion 900d of one energy storage apparatus 1 d is directed, and the outercovering body 100 is present in such a direction. Accordingly, even whena substance is discharged through the discharge port 15 d of thedischarge portion 900 d of one energy storage apparatus 1 d, it ispossible to prevent the substance discharged from one energy storageapparatus 1 d from entering the inside of the discharge port 15 d of thedischarge portion 900 d of another energy storage apparatus 1 d.Accordingly, it is possible to reduce an adverse effect caused byentering of the substance into the inside of the energy storageapparatus 1 d through the discharge port 15 d of the discharge portion900 d of the energy storage apparatus 1 d.

(Fifth Modification)

Next, the fifth modification of the above-mentioned embodiment isdescribed. FIG. 17A and FIG. 17B describe a discharge portion 900 eaccording to the fifth modification of the embodiment of the presentinvention. To be more specific, FIG. 17A shows an upper portion of across section when a unit module 11 e is cut at a position of the crosssection of the unit module 11 shown in FIG. 2 along line A-A. FIG. 17Bshows a cross section taken along line G-G in FIG. 17A.

As shown in the figures, the unit module 11 e according to the fifthmodification differs from the unit module 11 d according to the fourthmodification with respect to a point that the configurations of an innerlid 500 e, a heat insulation member 400 e, a flow path forming portion300 e and an outer covering body 100 e differ from the configurations ofthe inner lid 500 d, the heat insulation member 400 d, the flow pathforming portion 300 d and the outer covering body 100 d. To be morespecific, as shown in FIG. 17B, in a region of an inclined portion 540 aformed on the inner lid 500 e, the discharge portion 900 e is configuredto be inclined toward a minus side in the X axis direction toward adischarge port 15 e of the discharge path P6. That is, as viewed in atop plan view, the discharge portion 900 e is configured to be inclinedtoward one side in the X axis direction in the region of the dischargeportion 900 e where the inclined portion 540 a is formed such that thedischarge portion 900 e has a line symmetrical shape. To be morespecific, the discharge portion 900 e includes a first side surface 581and a second side surface 582 inclined toward one side in the X axisdirection in the region where the inclined portion 540 a is formed. Inother words, in the region of the discharge portion 900 e on an outletside, not only the inclined portion 540 a which constitutes an upperwall surface is formed in an inclined manner but also the first sidesurface 581 and the second side surface 582 which constitute side wallsurfaces are also formed in an inclined manner with respect to the Yaxis direction. Further, a plurality of ribs 541 e formed on theinclined portion 540 a are also formed in an inclined manner along theinclination toward one side in the X axis direction in the region of thedischarge portion 900 e where the inclined portion 540 a is formed.

In this manner, in the discharge portion 900 e according to the fifthmodification, the region where the inclined portion 540 a is formed andthe plurality of ribs 541 e formed on the inclined portion 540 a areformed in an inclined manner toward one side in the X axis directiontoward the discharge port 15 e of the discharge portion 900 e and hence,a substance can be discharged by directing the flow of the dischargedsubstance toward one side in the X axis direction. Accordingly, it ispossible to prevent the occurrence of the case where a substancedischarged through the discharge port 15 e is discharged toward electricequipment arranged adjacent to the energy storage apparatus 1 whilemaintaining high energy.

Further, when a plurality of energy storage apparatuses 1 e which adoptthe discharge portion 900 e of the fifth modification are arranged nextto each other, the following advantageous effect can be acquired. FIG.18 describes the advantageous effect acquired by arranging a pluralityof energy storage apparatuses 1 e of the fifth modification of theembodiment of the present invention.

As shown in FIG. 18, both ends of the discharge portion 900 e in the Yaxis direction are formed in an inclined manner toward a minus side inthe X axis direction such that the discharge portion 900 e has a linesymmetry as viewed in a top plan view. Accordingly, when the energystorage apparatus 1 e and another energy storage apparatus 1 e arearranged next to each other, the plurality of ribs 541 e and the secondside surface 582 are formed in the direction which intersects with thedirection along which the discharge port 15 e of the discharge portion900 e of one energy storage apparatus 1 e is directed. Due to such aconfiguration, even when a substance is discharged through the dischargeport 15 e of the discharge portion 900 e of one energy storage apparatus1 e, although the substance reaches the discharge port 15 e of thedischarge portion 900 e of another energy storage apparatus 1 e, theflow of the substance is obstructed by the plurality of ribs 541 e andthe second side surface 582 due to the formation of the plurality ofribs 541 e and the second side surface 582 in the direction whichintersects with the discharge direction of the substance. Accordingly,it is possible to prevent the substance discharged from one energystorage apparatus 1 e from entering the inside of the discharge portion900 e of another energy storage apparatus 1 e. Accordingly, it ispossible to reduce an adverse effect caused by entering of the substanceinto the inside of the energy storage apparatus 1 e through thedischarge port 15 e of the discharge portion 900 e of the energy storageapparatus 1 e.

Although the energy storage apparatus according to the embodiment of thepresent invention has been described heretofore, the present inventionis not limited to the above-mentioned embodiment. That is, it should beconstrued that the embodiment disclosed herein is merely illustrativebut not restrictive in all aspects. The scope of the present inventionis not designated by the above-mentioned description but is designatedby claims, and it is intended that all modifications which fall withinthe meaning and the scope equivalent to claims are also included in thescope of the present invention. Further, the configurations which aremade by combining any components which the above-mentioned embodimentincludes are also included in the scope of the present invention.

For example, in the modifications 4 and 5, the discharge portions 900 d,900 e are formed by inclining the inclined portion 540 a, the first sidesurfaces 571, 581 and the second side surfaces 572, 582. However, thepresent invention is not limited to such a configuration, and theinclined portion 540 a does not need to be formed. Although both thefirst side surfaces 571, 581 and the second side surfaces 572, 582 areinclined in the discharge portions 900 d, 900 e, only one side surfacemay be inclined. Further, these configurations may be combined with eachother as desired.

In the above-mentioned embodiment, the inclined portion 540 is inclinedin the direction that the space of the discharge path P1 is widened.However, the present invention is not limited to such a configuration,and the direction of the flow of a substance discharged from the insidecan be also inclined by inclining the inclined portion 540 in thedirection that the space of the discharge path is narrowed, and such aconfiguration also can acquire the same advantageous effect. However, byinclining the inclined portion 540 in the direction that the space ofthe discharge path is widened, it is also possible to acquire anadvantageous effect that a substance spreads and hence, such aconfiguration is effective.

In the above-mentioned embodiment and modifications 1 to 5, theconfiguration is adopted where the surface of the flow path formingportion 300, 300 d, 300 e which faces the inclined portion 540, 540 a isnot inclined with respect to the Y axis direction. However, the surfaceof the flow path forming portion 300, 300 d, 300 e may be inclined withrespect to the Y axis direction. When the surface of the flow pathforming portion 300, 300 d, 300 e which faces the inclined portion 540,540 a is inclined with respect to the Y axis direction, the surface ofthe flow path forming portion 300, 300 d, 300 e may be inclineddownwardly at the same angle as the inclination angle θ1, θ2 ofopposedly facing inclined portion 540, 540 a, may be inclined downwardlyat an angle different from the inclination angle θ1, θ2, or may beinclined upwardly. In this case, from a viewpoint of achieving an aim ofenlarging the discharge port 15, 15 a to 15 e, it is preferable that thesurface of the flow path forming portion 300, 300 d, 300 e which facesthe inclined portion 540, 540 a be inclined downwardly. Further, toachieve an aim of enlarging the discharge port 15, 15 a to 15 e anddischarging a substance in an obliquely upward direction, it isdesirable that the surface of the flow path forming portion 300, 300 d,300 e be inclined downwardly at an angle smaller than the inclinationangle θ1, θ2.

In the above-mentioned embodiment and modifications, the configurationis adopted where the inner wall surface of the discharge portion on anupper side has the inclined portion 540, 540 a which is inclined moreupwardly toward an outlet side. However, the inclined inner wall surfaceis not limited to the inner wall surface of the discharge portion on anupper side, and it is sufficient that the configuration is providedwhere any one of inner wall surfaces of the discharge portion has aninclined surface which is inclined more in the predetermined directiontoward the outlet side.

Due to such a configuration, at least part of a substance dischargedthrough the discharge port can be discharged in an inclined manner inthe predetermined direction and hence, a moving distance of thesubstance from the safety valve which is a generation source of thesubstance can be increased.

Further, the configuration may be adopted where the first wall surfaceand the second wall surface which face each other among the inner wallsurfaces of the discharge portion have different angles with respect tothe Y axis direction. That is, only the first wall surface may beinclined with respect to the Y axis direction. Provided that aninclination angle at which the first wall surface is inclined withrespect to the Y axis direction differs from an inclination angle atwhich the second wall surface is inclined with respect to the Y axisdirection, both the first wall surface and the second wall surface maybe inclined with respect to the Y axis direction. It is needless to saythat the first wall surface and the second wall surface are not limitedto the inner wall surface on an upper side and the inner wall surface onthe lower surface. That is, the first wall surface and the second wallsurface may be inner wall surfaces of two portions which face each otherin an X axis direction or may be inner wall surfaces of two portionswhich face each other in the direction inclined with respect to the Zaxis direction.

Due to such a configuration, at least part of a substance dischargedthrough the discharge port can be discharged in an inclined manner inthe direction that the wall surface having a larger inclination anglewith respect to the Y axis direction is inclined out of the first wallsurface and the second wall surface and hence, a moving distance of thesubstance from the safety valve can be increased.

In the above-mentioned embodiment and modifications of the embodiment,the inclined portion 540, 540 a is formed on the inner wall surface ofthe discharge portion 900, 900 a to 900 e on an outlet side. However,the portion where the inclined portion 540, 540 a is formed is notlimited to the inner wall surface on an outlet side, and the inclinedportion 540, 540 a may be formed at any position in the discharge pathP1 to P6 of the discharge portion 900, 900 a to 900 e.

In the above-mentioned embodiment and modifications, the ribs 541, 541 cto 541 e are formed on the discharge portion 900, 900 a to 900 e.However, the ribs do not need to be formed on the discharge portion 900,900 a to 900 e.

In the above-mentioned embodiment and modifications, the flat inclinedsurfaces are illustrated as the inclined portion 540, 540 a. However,the inclined portion 540, 540 a may be formed into a curved shape.

In the above-mentioned embodiment and modifications, the flow patharrangement portion is formed of the inner lid 500. However, the flowpath arrangement portion is not limited to the inner lid 500. Forexample, the flow path arrangement portion may be any portion providedthat the flow path arrangement portion is arranged at the position whereair discharged through the safety valve 221 passes such as an outer lidor the discharge duct.

The present invention is applicable to an energy storage apparatus orthe like where one or more energy storage devices are accommodated in anouter covering.

What is claimed is:
 1. An energy storage apparatus, comprising: one ormore energy storage devices; and an outer covering which houses the oneor more energy storage devices, wherein the outer covering includes adischarge portion forming a discharge path which discharges a substancegenerated in an inside of the energy storage apparatus toward an outsideof the outer covering in a first direction, and an inner wall surface ofthe discharge portion includes a first wall surface inclined withrespect to the first direction, wherein the discharge path is formed bythe first wall surface of the discharge portion such that across-sectional area of the discharge path increases towards an outletside of the discharge portion, wherein the outer covering includes anouter lid which covers the one or more energy storage devices, andwherein the first wall surface is disposed between the outer lid and theone or more energy storage devices.
 2. The energy storage apparatusaccording to claim 1, wherein an electric equipment is arranged on aside of the outer covering on the outlet side of the discharge portion.3. The energy storage apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the innerwall surface of the discharge portion includes a second wall surfacewhich faces the first wall surface, and wherein an angle, which thefirst wall surface makes with respect to the first direction, differsfrom an angle which the second wall surface makes with respect to thefirst direction.
 4. The energy storage apparatus according to claim 1,wherein the discharge portion is formed in a space formed in the insideof the outer covering.
 5. The energy storage apparatus according toclaim 1, wherein the discharge portion is formed at an upper portion ofa side surface of the outer covering so as to discharge the substance ina horizontal direction as the first direction, and wherein the firstwall surface is inclined upwardly with respect to the first direction.6. The energy storage apparatus according to claim 5, furthercomprising: an electric member which is provided on a side of the firstwall surface of the discharge portion and is electrically connected withthe one or more energy storage devices.
 7. The energy storage apparatusaccording to claim 6, wherein the one or more energy storage deviceseach include a positive terminal and a negative terminal projecting in apredetermined direction, and wherein the electric member is arrangedbetween the positive terminal and the negative terminal.
 8. The energystorage apparatus according to claim 1, wherein a rib is formed on anoutlet side of the discharge portion in a state where the rib extendsalong the discharge path and is raised from an inner surface of thedischarge portion on the outlet side of the discharge portion.
 9. Theenergy storage apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising: aflow path forming portion, wherein the outer covering further includesan inner lid which is arranged above the one or more energy storagedevices, and wherein the flow path forming portion is arranged on asurface of the inner lid which faces the one or more energy storagedevices in a state where the flow path forming portion straddles overthe one or more energy storage devices, and the discharge portion isformed by the inner lid and the flow path forming portion so as todischarge the substance in a horizontal direction which constitutes thefirst direction.
 10. The energy storage apparatus according to claim 9,wherein the first wall surface is arranged in a vicinity of the outletof the discharge portion.
 11. An energy storage apparatus, comprising:energy storage devices arranged in a first direction, each of the energystorage devices including a positive terminal and a negative terminalprojecting in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction;and an outer covering which houses the energy storage devices, whereinthe outer covering includes a discharge portion forming a discharge pathwhich discharges a substance from the energy storage device toward anoutside of the outer covering in the first direction, and an inner wallsurface of the discharge portion includes a wall surface which is, in across sectional view taken along a plane including the first and seconddirections, inclined with respect to the first direction, wherein thedischarge path is formed by the wall surface of the discharge portionsuch that a cross-sectional area of the discharge path increases towardsan outlet side of the discharge portion, wherein the outer coveringincludes: an outer lid which covers the energy storage devices; and aninner lid which is disposed between the outer lid and the energy storagedevices, and wherein the inner lid includes the wall surface such that,in a stacking direction of the outer lid on the inner lid, the dischargepath is disposed between the inner lid and the energy storage devices.12. The energy storage apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the firstdirection is orthogonal to a stacking direction of the outer lid of theouter covering on the one or more energy storage devices.
 13. The energystorage apparatus according to claim 1, wherein a rib is formed on anoutlet side of the discharge portion in a state where the rib extendsalong the discharge path.
 14. The energy storage apparatus according toclaim 1, wherein a rib is raised from an inner surface of the dischargeportion on an outlet side of the discharge portion.
 15. The energystorage apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the discharge portionincludes a step-wise structure including a first enlarged portion and asecond enlarged portion arranged in a flow direction of the substancesuch that a cross-sectional area of the first enlarged portion is lessthan a cross-sectional area of the second enlarged portion.
 16. Theenergy storage apparatus according to claim 11, wherein a rib is formedon an outlet side of the discharge portion in a state where the ribextends along the discharge path.
 17. The energy storage apparatusaccording to claim 16, wherein the rib is raised from an inner surfaceof the discharge portion on the outlet side of the discharge portion.18. The energy storage apparatus according to claim 1, wherein, in astacking direction of the outer lid on the energy storage devices, aninclined portion of the inner wall surface is located below the outerlid.
 19. The energy storage apparatus according to claim 11, wherein, inthe stacking direction of the outer lid on the inner lid, an inclinedportion of the inner wall surface is located below the outer lid suchthat the inclined portion of the inner wall surface overlaps with theouter lid.
 20. The energy storage apparatus according to claim 1,wherein the discharge portion includes an exit flat portion extendingfrom a side of the first wall surface nearest to the outside of theouter covering in the first direction.